Evergreen Trees: Year-Round Structure, Privacy, and Wind Protection

Evergreens hold foliage 365 days—conifers (pine, spruce, cedar, fir) plus broadleaf types (holly, magnolia, live oak). They thrive in poorer soils where deciduous trees struggle.

Selection Criteria

• Sun: Most need 6+ hours; some tolerate part shade (slower growth).
• Space: Know mature width/height. Narrow lots? Choose columnar forms (Skyrocket juniper, Degroot's Spire arborvitae).
• Soil: Test drainage. Amend with compost. Mulch 3" deep, keep off trunk.
• Water: Drought tolerance varies. Windy/winter = extra water for all.

Top Functional Uses

Privacy screen: Leyland cypress, Green Giant arborvitae, holly. Windbreak (north side): Dense conifers in staggered rows. Noise buffer: Broadleaf evergreens + berm. Specimen: Blue spruce, weeping cedar, Japanese black pine.

Planting Protocol

No overhead wires. Hole 2× root ball width, same depth. Backfill native soil + compost. Water weekly first year. Stake only if windy site.

Needle Drop Is Normal

Conifers shed oldest needles every 2–6 years. Interior browning = healthy renewal.

Evergreens are the garden's skeleton—choose for function, enjoy for beauty.